Samaras enchanted by Parkhead heritage

The Greece international had a loan spell with the Hoops last season, helping
Gordon Strachan's side pick up their third Clydesdale Bank Premier League title
in a row.

Samaras, 23, resisted other offers to make the deal permanent in the summer,
signing from Manchester City for around £1.2 million.

The lanky hit-man has scored five goals in his last three games and that form
should see him partner Scott McDonald in tonight's Champions League Group E
opener against Danish side Aalborg at Parkhead.

The former Heerenveen striker admits he is more than happy with life in
Glasgow.

''Trust me, Celtic is not just a club, it is more than a club,'' Samaras said.

''The important thing is not the money, it is a mentality of the club. Other
teams may be able to spend a lot of money but if you don't have the mentality it
will not go very well. You cannot buy the history, tradition or heritage of
Celtic.

''They really love football here and the passion is unbelievable.

''You can't imagine how many supporters around the world Celtic have. If you
are playing against Manchester United, Villarreal or Motherwell, you always have
a full house of around 60,000 people.

''I realised that in the game against Barcelona here last season, the
atmosphere was crazy. Where in the world will you find a better thing?

''So I am really happy here and I believe that I made the right step in my
career.''

Strachan reiterated the draw of the Scottish club and admitted that regular
Champions League football is one advantage that many English managers miss out
on.

The Celtic boss looked forward to taking the Hoops down to his former club
Manchester United later in the section.

The former Southampton and Coventry chief said: ''If anybody gets the chance of
being Celtic manager, they should take it.

''The Champions League nights are a huge, huge bonus. You can look back over
the last few years and say these are nights you'll never forget. Hopefully, the
fans will never forget the nights here.

''I had been to Old Trafford lots of times as a manager but never in the
Champions League.

''The whole world is watching and it's different from sneaking in with
Southampton or Coventry and sneaking out again.''